This Week's Heavy Rotation

Adventures in AM Gold

Do you like rabbit holes? Of course, you do! This week, I fell all the way down one on Radio Garden. If you aren’t familiar with it, Radio Garden is an app that lets you listen to stations anywhere in the world. You spin the globe, find a spot you want, and it will list out available local stations to listen to.

I spent time listening to pop in London, news from the Bahamas, and Americana broadcasting less than a mile from my house.

I also found West Coast Golden Radio out of Los Angeles. For younger readers here, it can best be described as a “whole-ass mood.” For the rest of us, think of care-free living and driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, top-down. Or maybe riding in your parent’s car.

Light, breezy, and perfect if you’re at work or…the dentist. Seriously, it’s good and is the reason my list this week took a decidedly AM Gold turn.

As for the App itself, check it out — just make sure you block some time to do it.

And with that, here is my Top 5 from the last 7 days:

Lady-The Commodores

Probably my favorite from the band. Seeing the group playing soccer is just icing on the cake. Lionel Richie in the goal? Sure, why not?

Am I the Same Girl- Barbara Acklin

The horns. The beautiful vocals. It’s comfort food for the soul. Hard not to break into a shuffle. There’s also an instrument-only version with a little more piano, and of course a remake by Swing Out Sister — which I actually did hear in my mom’s car a bazillion times — but I like this one the best.

You Make Lovin’ Fun-Fleetwood Mac

I might be one of the few people on the planet that prefers the Mirage album over Rumours but I’ll make an exception in this case. I also like it when Christine McVie gets a chance to shine.

I never did believe in miracles
But I’ve a feeling it’s time to try
I never did believe in the ways of magic
But I’m beginning to wonder why

Spice of Life-Manhattan Transfer

This was a new one for me; prior to this I’d only ever heard “Boy From New York City,” and frankly didn’t care for it much (still don’t, really).

Not this one, though. Upbeat, and comes with a Stevie Wonder harmonica solo. What’s not to like?

If it sounds vaguely familiar, that may be because it was written by Rod Temperton, the man behind hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and “Rock With You.”

Route 101-Herb Alpert

Did you hear this at the grocery store? Should you play it at brunch? Yes.

Also: If Gen X or Boomers ever try to tell Gen Z that their videos are weird, they can simply point to this as an effective counterpoint.

What’s on your list this week? Let me know in the comments!